This blog is a collection of stories of time spent living and working in Kosovo for the United Nations and the changes I saw between 2001 and 2013. The information presented is personal opinion or links to news articles on Kosovo and its people.

Friday, November 11, 2011

The very publicized and widely debated trial of 10 KLA fighters has begun today with much of the focus on Fatmir Limaj. Many of the articles fail to even mention the other nine defendants facing charges of war crimes, torture and murder of kidnapped civilians and paramilitaries in 1999. All 10 defendants have plead not guilty to the charges.

Limaj's defense has requested a delay of the trial until January citing the late presentation of evidence for examination by the prosecution. Additionally, it is rumored that the trial is waiting for the forensic results for the death of Agim Zogaj, also known as Witness X, who was the prosecution's star witness until his alleged suicide in Germany.

Yesterday, EULEX prosecutor Maurizio Salustro was reported to have interviewed Kosovo PM Haschim Thaci, one of the few former KLA commanders who have not faced war crimes charges, on the request of Limaj's defense team.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

One Serb and two were injured in a clash on Wednesday evening in the north of Kosovo. According to a statement from OSCE, one of the injured is reported to be a Kosovo police officer who responded to the initial shooting. Stories on what happened are varying depending on the source. Some say that the shooting is alleged to have taken place during a quarrel between Albanians and Serbs although it is unclear who did the shooting. And other reports are that the shooting occured in response to a robbery when Serbs were trying to break into Albanian homes.

All international organizations and the governments of Serbia and Kosovo have condemned the shooting. Serb residents and politicians are calling for a swift investigation into the incident by EULEX.

About Me

I have been living and working in Kosovo since 2001. My blog is a mixture of personal reflections on what it is like to live here (from an outsider’s point of view) and political developments. Information is from international news agencies or personal opinion and does not reflect the policies of the United Nations.